The Zimbabwe Gender Commission, “hereinafter referred to as the Commission” was established in terms of Section 245 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, “hereinafter referred to as the Constitution” and operationalised through the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) Act (Chapter 10:31).
During the nationwide consultative processes of drafting the National Constitution, the constant resurgence of gender related issues reflected a glaring need for the establishment of an independent institution to specifically look into gender issues. This then birthed the Commission, as one of the Chapter 12 Independent Commissions supporting democracy whose objectives are set out in Section 233 of the constitution as:
- To support and entrench human rights and democracy;
- To protect the sovereignty and interests of the people;
- To promote constitutionalism;
- To promote transparency and accountability in public institutions;
- To secure the observance of democratic values and principles by the State and all institutions and agencies of government, and government-controlled entities; and
- To ensure that injustices are remedied.
Our Mission
To promote and protect gender equality through public education, research, investigations and monitoring.
The Strategic Goals are anchored on the Commission’s constitutional mandate and obligation. These strategic goals are:
- To enhance public awareness on gender issues in all provinces;
- To investigate and provide redress to all reported cases of violations of rights related to gender;
- To reduce systemic barriers to gender equality;
- To create a functional knowledge hub and available knowledge products on gender equality;
- To enhance compliance with all gender equality provisions in the constitution, laws and policies; and
- To create an effective, efficient and visible Gender Commission.
The Commission is guided by the following values:
- Accessibility;
- Accountability;
- Fairness;
- Gender sensitivity; and
- Integrity.